Chinese Zodiac Signs

The Chinese zodiac, also known as the Sheng xiao in Chinese, relates each year to an animal and its alleged traits, according to a 12-year cycle. Besides China and Taiwan, it has wide following in several East Asian countries. The main focus of this page is to study the Chinese zodiac signs and what do they stand for.

The Chinese zodiac bears several similarities to the Western zodiac. In both, the time cycles are divided into 12 parts, with each part labeled with the names of animals. Each of these Chinese zodiac signs, like its western counterpart, is widely connected with a culture of influence of a person's relationship to the cycle, according to their personality and events in their life. However, there are certain major differences between the Chinese zodiac horoscope and the western. The Chinese zodiac has the 12-part cycle divided into years rather than months. Some of the zodiac signs in the Western forms are not represented by animals, for example the inanimate balance scale "Libra".

The Chinese zodiac signs of twelve animals stand for twelve different types of personality. The Chinese zodiac year traditionally starts with the sign of the Rat. Given below are the twelve Chinese zodiac signs in order and their characteristics:

1. Rat: Innovative, intelligent and full of crafty ideas.
2. Ox: Honest, patient and conservative.
3. Tiger: Brave, dare to take risks.
4. Rabbit: Good characters, gentle, talented, friendly and always gracious.
5. Dragon: Unique, energetic and overly-dramatic with an interesting imagination.
6. Snake: Talented, graceful as well as also wise and subtle in their ways.
7. Horse: High spirited and energetic with positive outlook.
8. Ram: Loving and gentle, also elegant and creative.
9. Monkey: Fun people, confident, energetic, happy and also curious.
10. Rooster: Punctual people, totally reliable and independent.
11. Dog: Loyal and honest people and also helpful and positive.
12. Pig: Noble and strong with lasting friendships

The animal signs assigned by Chinese zodiac year represent what others see in you as a being or how you present yourself. It is a common misapprehension to think that the animals allocated by year are the only signs. In fact, there are animal signs assigned by month, day, and hours of the day. It is the combination of one's birth year; month, day and hour, which form the part of the 'four pillars' of Chinese horoscope and astrology to find out one's fate. You can also get free Chinese zodiac reading done for you.